Systems & Software

Isotherm works with early adopters in target market segments to drive the initial stages of customer development. Based on validation of market-product fit with the early adopters, we expand our customer development process to a larger set of target users. This larger set generally has unique needs and requirements in their particular market sub-segments that require multiple versions of the system (e.g. high performance, low cost, developing markets, etc.). Below is a top level summary of our process that systematically and concurrently addresses intellectual property, product, market, and partner development.

FIRST STAGE: A provisional patent application is generally filed to protect it under patent pending status for one year while the feasibility of the concept is verified. Simultaneously, the customer discovery process is initiated to test assumptions about market needs and the ability of the system concept to address those needs. This feedback is collected face-to-face in priority markets to insure we are collecting true “voice of the customer” data. Potential strategic partners are also identified by the end of this stage that will play a long term role in the commercialization of the final product(s).

SECOND STAGE: A utility patent application is filed with the USPTO based on the preliminary design completed in first stage. A PCT filing is also made to protect foreign filing rights in countries covered by the PCT. During the second stage period, the prototype system is developed and tested to validate its performance. In sync with this product development stage, customer validation is ongoing to gather more detailed information from target markets about their requirements and constraints. We also solicit detailed feedback on our specific system design as a potential solution, and use those interactions to inform the prototype development effort. Also during this stage, the co-development partnering team is formed to provide the critical parts, services, and sales channels required for commercialization.

THIRD STAGE: Domestic and foreign patents are either issued or close to final allowance, providing a solid intellectual property basis for commercialization with a sustainable competitive advantage. Initial product launch in selected market segments is also started in the third stage. At this point, the key commercialization partners are established to allow long term customer creation and growth through established and developing sales channels. This stage will also begin to establish the baseline business model cost structure and revenue streams, along with the key dashboard metrics to monitor as full commercialization is achieved.

Previous Systems & Software Development

In conjunction with hardware systems development, we create custom engineering software for evaluating concepts, making system trades, simulating performance, and design optimization. Below are some sample screenshots from custom models created for: unmanned underwater fuel cell system, hydrogen & other fluids tankage design, solar orbit transfer vehicle propellant system, and multilayer insulation. These models were used to optimize and refine the final system design for hardware development prototypes.